King James I and the Bible

Our English Bible - The Authorised Version

It is undoubtedly true that no version of the Bible has influenced the lives of so many millions of people as the Authorised King James Version of 1611. It has been the standard version used by the English-speaking peoples for 350 years, and is still in common use by vast numbers of Bible-believing people today.

The Bible is the inspired Word of God; God Himself being the Author. To use a play upon terms, it is clear that the blessing of the Author has surely been upon the Authorised Version of the Bible.

The Authorised Version of the Bible was so named because it was produced under the direct patronage of King James I of England to provide a common English version for the people. Prior to 1611, several English versions of the Bible were in use, versions which had resulted largely from the work of the Reformers. Some of these were excellent translations, but the need was felt for a common English Bible.

The Authorised King James Version is a direct translation from the original languages of both Old and New Testaments into the English tongue. Hebrew and Greek manuscripts of remarkable accuracy were available to the King James translators.

Some of the most recent manuscript discoveries have confirmed the general purity of the manuscripts used in producing the Authorised Version.

The work of translation covered a period of three years, being completed in 1610, and first published in 1611. Forty seven distinguished scholars undertook the work, men who had a great respect for the Bible as God's divinely inspired Word. It is evident that the blessing of God was upon their labours, for it became quickly and almost universally accepted within a few years of publication.

Because of the zeal of King James in promoting the translation of the Bible, the Authorised Version of the Bible opens with a letter of dedication to King James. This can be seen in most copies of the Authorised Version to this day. King James was a man with strong faith in the inspiration of Scripture. The accession of King James to the throne of England is very significant in English history.

With the death of Queen Elizabeth I, there was no successor to the throne in England, and King James VI of Scotland became heir to the throne of England. Thus in 1603, King James VI of Scotland became King James I of the United Kingdom of England and Scotland. This was called the “Union of James”. The flags of England and Scotland were combined to become the first Union Jack. Jack comes from the French or Latin versions of James, being Jacques or Jacobus. The name "Jacobus" is to be seen on the gold medal of James I as shown at the start of this sheet.

It was at this time also that the emblem of the Harp was introduced into the Royal Standard of England. The Harp is the emblem of the throne of David; which throne God promised through the Old Testament prophets would be established "to all generations" (PSALM 89). Historically, King James was a direct descendant of King David of Old Testament Israel, through the ancient kings of Scotland and Ireland, and Princess Tephi of the Davidic Royal House who brought the Davidic line to Ireland from the Middle East in 583 B.C.

Thus, through King James I the royal line of David came to London where it remains to this day, Queen Elizabeth II being herself a direct descendant of David through King James I. The establishment of the United Kingdom under James I, was the fulfilment of the prophecy of the Bible; the translation of which Book James so vigorously promoted. This prophecy is quoted in the Latin motto shown on the reverse side of James' medal and reads , "Faciam eos in gentem unam", and means, "I will make them one nation". This is quoted from the prophecy of EZEKIEL 37:22, where God spoke of uniting the lost tribes of Israel under the throne of David.

The impact of God's Word, the Bible, on the English-speaking world has not been by chance. History and Bible prophecy identifies the Anglo-Saxon peoples of Britain and the Commonwealth with the lost ten tribes of Israel, just as clearly as Britain's throne is identified as the Davidic throne of the Bible. We read in PSALM 147:19, "He sheweth his word unto Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel". When asked the secret of Britain's greatness, Queen Victoria answered her questioner, an eastern Prince, by handing him the Bible.

As people have sought and found the God of the Bible, so they have prospered; and as they have turned from the God of the Bible, so they have fallen. As the world today hovers on the brink of atomic destruction, and the return of Christ approaches, many people from many nations are seeking the Lord and are enjoying the promised outpouring of the Holy Spirit. They are speaking with tongues as evidence of the coming of the Holy Spirit, as they experience this wonderful seal of Bible salvation.

Many have been led to believe that the Authorised Version of the Bible is hard to understand because some of its expressions are archaic, and not now in common use. This is largely untrue! It is because people have not been filled with the Holy Spirit. The Bible is not understood by the intellect, but its truths are made clear by the light and understanding brought by the Holy Spirit. Jesus said, "... the Holy Ghost... shall teach you all things..." (JOHN 14:26).

In our Revival Centres throughout Australia, hundreds of people, young and old alike, are rejoicing in the renewing power of the Holy Spirit, and the miraculous signs of Bible salvation are manifest. Speaking with tongues, the healing of the sick, and the supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit are experienced. All are finding that after receiving the Holy Spirit, with the Bible evidence of speaking with other tongues, the Bible and its truths become a wonderful light and revelation